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Post by Ashken on Sept 20, 2023 19:51:00 GMT
OOC: Wataru and Reitsu || Background Music ||
In-between two other modern stores is a wooden door. That door has been there for decades, and it shows in its wear. No windows or flashy signs allow you to see what is on the other side, a small banner hangs over the doorframe, 'Bookstore', the only word written in the banner. The world around this bookstore marched onwards and it stubbornly held its place. Two kind of people tend to find this small place in Kyoto, those shown the way and those who slow down enough to allow their senses to be assaulted. From the doors crevices the scent of fresh coffee wafts, mixed with the aroma of baked goods, and other delectable snacks. If curiosity where to have you open the door, you would hear a soft ringing of bells as the string chimes meet each other. The lighting in the room before you, dull, yet warm and inviting, to your left and right bookshelves where stacked, funneling people inwards " Welcome!" a voice would break through the soft music playing. This place has the aura of a dream, one that if you were to wake up, you would quickly forget the details of it, while only the edges would stay with you.
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Post by mermalaide on Sept 21, 2023 2:52:04 GMT
This had been one of the recommended places Tatsu had been pointed towards when she asked at the student store. 'They literally have about everything, that and the coffee is so good.' She found herself thankful for the advice. It had been from one of the girls that had seen her panic, a tall gyaru girl with bleached hair. She gave Tatsu a card, with the nonchalant comment of everyone goes here. It felt like a dream, and she found herself wandering close to a display of baked goods, which was a very fine distraction.
Her voice was soft and a bit quiet. She would likely need to speak up over the music, but it was a little overwhelming. "Excuse me.."
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Post by Ashken on Sept 21, 2023 3:18:44 GMT
As Tatsu moved pass the initial walls of books, the room would open up, to a number of small tables and a counter that doubled as a display, sitting on a highchair, drooling on some crayon drawings was a small kid, his tiny fist clenched tightly the yellow crayon that he was doubling as a pacifier, "Zap... Zap..." he muttered in his sleep.
"Excuse me.."
"Coming" a voice came out from the curtain behind the display counter, a few seconds later, young man with striking white hair and daker skin walked out, he was dressed in a simple black kimono, with a cooking apron that once was pure white, now it had some scribbles that kid might have done to spruce it up. "Welcome, how can I be of assistance?" he asked as he removed the apron and started folding it away. "Are you here for the coffee? Pastries? Or something more occult" he gave her a toothy smile; he didn't recognize her as a regular, so it could be anything.
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Post by mermalaide on Sept 21, 2023 3:30:55 GMT
"Well.." She looked sheepishly at the floor before gathering the courage to speak. "Your pastries look really good. But I was told that you might have some of the occult books I need for the university. The shop closed a bit unexpectedly, and I am missing some of my books. Might you have any of these?" She handed him her list and was distracted a little by the sounds of the coloring boy. He was interesting. Was he a yokai? She couldn't quite tell. There were so many books, one could get lost.
"I was also asked to pick up a new book on herbalism, if you had it." She closed her eyes for a moment and let the smells of coffee and pastry dough fill her lungs. "Also I can smell some really great coffee." Her had were folded on her bag as she stood there wondering.
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Post by Ashken on Sept 21, 2023 4:01:33 GMT
"Well..."
Wataru raised his eyebrow as he approached the young woman before him, although he appreciated the compliments to his baking skills, which he had been working hard on the last few years, he could tell there was more to her presence here. She provided him with a list, he glanced the names of the books and tried to mentally go through the list in his mind. "You can sit if you want" he told her as he started to wander through the bookshelves, "If for some reason I don't have a book, I should be able to order it for you and have it delivered quickly." Not that he didn't think he didn't have a book, but he wanted to leave the option open.
"I was also asked to pick up a new book on herbalism, if you had it."
"That one should be easy", he responded, "Do you mind if any of these books are used? Certain I have new ones of all of them, but I know some students are a bit tight on money." He disappeared behind one of the shelves as he picked the newer of the books.
"Also I can smell some really great coffee."
"Coffee" a tiny voice mumbled as he slowly stirred into wakefulness, the young Yokai blinked, his amber eyes, blinking as he wiped the sleep off with his non occupied hand, a small dribble of drool had caused the paper he had been drawing to stick to his face, "Tall lady" he muttered in awe.
Returning with some of the books, "As I thought I do have used copies of some of these, only have new copies herbalism book, up to you if you don't mind previously loved books"
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Post by mermalaide on Sept 23, 2023 4:57:42 GMT
"That makes them better, doesn't it?" Used books seemed a bit more comfortable, and they were usually cheaper. As long as things weren't scribbled out. When Tatsu heard that tiny voice, she turned to look and saw that the little boy had the golden eyes of a yokai. It took her by surprise. "Hey there!" She said softly, waving to the little boy. She was a little tall, though more so now with boots. The sound of her boots was satisfying on the wooden floors. She dug in her purse for a few pieces of botan. "Is it okay if he has a candy? They are just the rice paper candies."
It was a familiar type, the one with the white rabbit on them, but only if it was okay, she didn't want to give him anything he couldn't have. The atmosphere was relaxing and she felt the dreamlike quality of the space. It was the kind of bookstore that you saw in your dreams, or maybe one you found on the off chance of a rainy day, looking for coffee. It seems like it's been there forever.
When he came back from behind the counter with more books, she wandered back to him, holding out the candy and looking towards the books. "That's definitely right." There was a big stack there. "I owe you one, this one has been harder to find," she indicated to the herbalism book. "Grandpa might steal that one away from me before I can read all of it. The others are for classes at Abe no Seimei."
"Oh! Where are my manners? My name is Tatsu Soma."
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Post by Ashken on Sept 24, 2023 17:07:50 GMT
"That makes them better, doesn't it?"
"Some books behave better when they are pre-loved" he stated as he took the ones on his hand to the counter, taking her comment as a positive, he sorted the used books and the new herbalism book on one side and left the newer ones on the other so he could return them once he was done. "Feel free to glance over them" didn't want her to buy a book only to find a missing page or some other drastic issue, they did their best to sort out the neglected books, but, from time to time something would slip through the cracks.
"Hey there!"
"Hi!" the kid responded in a half yawn, the page stuck on his face crinkling along. There was a look of confusion on the kid's face, almost as if he was trying to remember how he got there.
"Is it okay if he has a candy? They are just the rice paper candies."
Wataru stopped, he looked at the kid who's face had gone from sleepy, grogginess to his eyes growing wide at the sound of the word candy. "He can have some, but" he looked at the kid "If you don't eat later, your doing all of the dishes"
The kid looked at his tiny hands as if wondering how many dishes he could hold, at a time, and weighting if the sugar was worth it, and yes it was always worth it. "Yesh" the kid replied the drawing that had been stuck on his face finally falling off.
"I owe you one, this one has been harder to find, Grandpa might steal that one away from me before I can read all of it. The others are for classes at Abe no Seimei."
"Ah" Wataru said with realization, "I kind of thought so"
Having gotten permission or at least not being told not, the tiny one took the candy, and only stopped long enough to squeak out a "thank you" before going straight into munching on the treat.
"Oh! Where are my manners? My name is Tatsu Soma."
"Wataru Ishinomori," he poured a cup of water for the kid before turning back at Tatsu "Convinced my grandfather to source of the harder school books, he was not exactly happy about it but the extra traffic, justifies the coffee and other stuff", his grandfather was perfectly fine with the store having no traffic and only an exclusive few arriving for extremely rare books and knowledge, but Wataru needed a way to afford taking care of Raitsu as his needs where more grounded than esoteric.
"If you ever can't find a book, gramps knows people" he gave her a moment to page through the books, before asking "Are those okay or would you rather new copies" he wanted to make sure she was happy before moving things along and going back to hunt the rest.
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Post by mermalaide on Sept 24, 2023 17:56:53 GMT
She handed over the botan, which had edible wrappers that dissolved in one's mouth. It was something that definitely confused her as a child. It was weird to her that you could eat them, but Japanese candy was whimsical in a way that Western candies were not. "I am sure there have probably been a lot of people trying to find school books, but it will calm down in a week or so. The term is starting so everyone is scrambling. Do you guys get high schoolers too?" She had the feeling she was going to walk out with more than just school books. Because some of her books were going to be used, she could afford a little extra today, and she had already seen a few other books that would be just for fun too.
"The reason people have been going crazy over that herbalism book is that Moroboshi only updates his work every six years, and his section on mushrooms and roots are second to none." Tatsu wandered back over to where Wataru was, so she could look through everything. "Okay, so herbalism, there is the recommended stuff for the shrine course..." Everything seemed to be all there. "I should thank you for convincing him then, there was a little bit of an accident over at the college store and they had to close early, so a lot of people couldn't get books."
"Do you go over there or maybe the high school?"
The way he carried himself made it a little harder to tell. That and there was the little boy. Though, had her eyes been deceiving her in that he seemed like a yokai? This was one of those time where she wondered. But it was a big world, yokai were everywhere and many of them fit in just like anyone else. She found a few paperbacks for herself and her grandfather to add to the pile that had grown a little. He would never say it but on the day his back or joints were bothering him, he liked sitting in his chair with a book and a cup of tea.
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Post by Ashken on Sept 24, 2023 18:47:45 GMT
Raitaro took his time to enjoy the candy, swishing it around his mouth while trying to stop himself from just chewing it, he was hoping to make it last as long as possible, he kicked his little legs in the air in excitement, it was not like he had not gotten candy before, there where plenty of treats to be had in the shop, but often Wataru would attach the treats to a chore or task, and make the kid earn it.
"I am sure there have probably been a lot of people trying to find school books, but it will calm down in a week or so. The term is starting so everyone is scrambling. Do you guys get high schoolers too?"
"It should calm down soon like you said," haven not gotten any complaints on the used books he picked up some of the extras to the return them, before it became future Him's problem, "We do, but they have other places to go" the more specialized books that the university wanted tended to attract the older students. "Though sometimes they stop by when they need to research something special" even with the freedom from the web certain subject where and are still secretive.
"I should thank you for convincing him then, there was a little bit of an accident over at the college store and they had to close early, so a lot of people couldn't get books."
"He's retired so he's happy with a slow traffic" he shrugged "But I kind of need this old place to do a little better than someone looking for obscure Yokai lore" he sighed as he worked on finding the last few books and returning the ones he did not need at this time. While mentally noting that he needed to restock a few items.
"Do you go over there or maybe the high school?"
He grumbled to himself as he moved around, between Raitaro and his own failings he was somewhat behind, "Highschool..." he responded, "Been having to catch up..." he didn't feel like explaining too much at this time to a full stranger, "Plus I put time here" he shuffled back to the counter with the last books, "I think this is all", he looked at the kid who was still enjoying the candy, though he was already trying to better his life, it was in a way Raitaro's existence that forced him into not deviating to easier things. "Did you leave a piece for me?" he asked the kid, the boys amber eyes going wide, as he opened his mouth, "ah uh still mm ehre" he muttered as he stuck his tongue out with mostly dissolved candy.
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Post by mermalaide on Sept 24, 2023 20:37:38 GMT
"I think I might have notes from some of my old classes..I could drop them off for you. They were mainly your basic ones for history and math. I had Mr. Yamabuki, so I had a lot of notes." Yamabuki was the grouchy, pretty boy tengu that taught history and Kendo. He was fairly notorious around the high school. The inner wrapper of the candy was a rice paper that would dissolve on the tongue, and the candy itself was milky and sweet but not too sweet. It was an old school candy from one of the penny candy kiosk shops around. They often had cheap little snacks and toys for kids for after school to spend little bits of allowance. She dug in her purse a little more. "I think I have a few more if he didn't. I usually keep a few on me because we have kids that come to the shrine, and an older lady that comes to pray once a day that is a diabetic." Tatsu say this absentmindedly.
It was funny, but the atmosphere was a safe, and homey one from what she did feel. "Here you go." She held out her hand managing to find the last two in her purse. "Our shrine is a little old. So mostly people from the neighborhood stop in. But, there are so many different shrines in that area." There were, now that she thought of it, twelve. She set her bag down carefully on the counter, but the bells from her wand still managed a muffled jingle. Such was the life of a Miko. She was mostly digging for her wallet to pay, as most things seemed in good order.
Time seemed to stand still in there when other things were rushing outside. She looked out the shop's window, realizing just how different the vibe was from inside. "Aha!" There is was, the black wallet often swallowed up by her messenger bag. There had been a whole bunch of things in there, almost everything but the kitchen sink, or rather, her naginata. That tended to stay at the temple unless there was work or practice. Outside there seemed to be a bit of commotion, thankfully it did not breech the calm of the store.
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Post by Ashken on Sept 24, 2023 21:58:40 GMT
"I think I might have notes from some of my old classes..I could drop them off for you. They were mainly your basic ones for history and math. I had Mr. Yamabuki, so I had a lot of notes."
"I won't say no" being able to use notes even if they might need minor tweaks for his own style would be better than juggling classes while Raitaro was constantly distracting him and though there where moment where his grandfather would come in and assist him, he made a point to make it clear that Wataru had to find the answer to his own problems. "He's an interesting character, Yamabuki-San" as strict as he could be he didn't set for failure.
"I think I have a few more if he didn't. I usually keep a few on me because we have kids that come to the shrine, and an older lady that comes to pray once a day that is a diabetic. "
"Perfectly good reason to keep some around" he turned toward the the kid though, "Manners", he said in a curt tone, his eyebrows showing his displeasure, "Really chewed up candy?"
Hrms he tried to grumble, but between the glares from Wataru the young one closed his mouth and went back to enjoying the candy, this time taking his crayon and a blank piece of paper to angrily scribble yellow lightnings and a vaguely humanoid stick figure getting structed by them.
"Here you go. Our shrine is a little old. So mostly people from the neighborhood stop in. But, there are so many different shrines in that area."
"Thank you" he took the candy, mostly for Reitsu once he earned another piece. He could see he was angrily scribbling, so he opted to leave him alone for now, before the kid managed to blow another fuse. He started to tally the cost of everything and organizing things to be bagged.
The bells that hung by the door began to sound over the low music, leaning over he didn't see anyone coming in, "Oh... Gramps" Wataru grumbled to himself, "One moment" he asked Tatsu as he moved toward the door cracking it open, almost instantly the air grew thick, and the loud whistles and calls of the authorities could be heard, closing the door, he bit his lip as he walked back, "Seems like stuff is going down outside"
Something had changed, the air was still different, and the sounds from outside seem to be making their way through the door with more ease, whatever protection that was there was not working the same way.
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Post by mermalaide on Sept 25, 2023 0:08:25 GMT
She watched the little boy and his scribbling for a moment, while Wataru went to look. Chills went through her spine and she looked up. The bells were more of a warning it seemed. It felt like something was slamming around outside. Tatsu took a deep breath and peer towards the door. The cozy stillness of the shop seemed a bit interrupted from the commotion outside, which did seem to be louder.
Outside, there were the sounds of screams. It sounded like a terrible wind that had picked up a few stands and blew them about like they were paper. They flew past the shop doors and slammed into a mail box and light pole. A large white and grey beast ran on all fours outside. It looked like a combination of a lion and tiger. When it raised it's paw, it created a slash of wind that bore down on the men trying to catch it. Some of the men trying to wrangle it wore the tell tale uniforms of blue and white. They brandished weapons and there seemed to be a priest trying to help subdue it.
Tatsu's eyes were very wide. "Is.. is that a Byakko?"
The priest got knocked over and a few men scurried to help protect him and fend the creature off. Tatsu slowly walked near the door to get a better look, though, she dared not get to close to the glass.
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Post by Ashken on Sept 25, 2023 0:25:17 GMT
"Is.. is that a Byakko?"
As those words left her lips, Wataru slowly moved backwards, "It's not in a good mood", he tried to lighten the mood, but it was obvious that he was concerned. Raitaro stopped drawing and joined the group, his eyes narrowing at the rampaging Yokai, the lights on the inside of the shop starting to flicker. With the commotion becoming more and more evident, he knew that inside the shop was mostly safe, his grandfather had set a number of wards, to make the place hard to find for those who were not seeking it, it's why it held such a dreamy quality, but between the yokai's presence and the skirmish outside, he had to decide if his life was worth more than everyone else.
"Not exactly a fighter..." he said, half lying, he knew how to fight, but a Yokai was outside his scope, "We should be safe in here," he looked at the people in blue and white, a part of him wanting to help, even if it was to provide them shelter, having to hold back because he knew that his life was also the kids put him in a difficult position.
Raitaro moved forward tugging on his father figures sleeve, "Help them", his eyes locked on the outside the chaos unfolding before him. "Sorry," he said sadly to Tasu, "Thanks for candy" he tried to drag Wataru, who was still deciding if the right thing to do was to put everyone at risk, if they broke the wards no one would be safe.
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Post by mermalaide on Sept 25, 2023 1:15:26 GMT
"No it's not." She agreed with that. Then she saw the men outside, some of them had no abilities whatsoever, and they were still facing the thing anyway. Tatsu dug into her bag and produced the Kagura Suzu. She did not have much on her but she could heal and she could try to use a few things to push the monster back. Her bad mostly stay at the counter, and she took up the wand with it's bells. "Well, it seems that they could use a little bit of help."
When Tatsu heard the thanks she smiled down at the little boy, or little yokai. He was adorable so it really didn't matter to her. "Don't be. Candy is better to share. I will be right back to pay for books." How she could manage to put on a brave face like that was anyone's guess. But, there she was opening the door quietly to step out. The sound of her bells tinkled behind her and she took another deep breath, choosing to move very carefully. It seemed a little distracted. When she got away from the door, she moved behind the Byakko and softly struck her bells to her palm and moved it, not unlike a wand. The soft slurring sound of bells made a wave that pushed out from her, causing the creature to have to jump back a little. It flattened it's ears and locked eyes with her.
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Post by Ashken on Sept 25, 2023 1:36:11 GMT
"Well, it seems that they could use a little bit of help."
Tatsu armed herself the best way she could by taking out her wand, Wataru was not fully surprised after the selection of books she was looking for. That and she had the air of someone with some priestly responsibilities. "Agree" he was hoping not to put the child in danger, but at this rate if the store or the surrounding area got damaged the repercussions could be just as bad.
"Don't be. Candy is better to share. I will be right back to pay for books."
She made her way out, Raitaro tugged harder on the sleeve, "Help" The young man knelt and put both his hands on the boys shoulders, "Stay here" the kid shook his head, "Can't let you get hurt" the kid glared, sparks dancing on his skin, "Okay, but you get to safety thee second I say so!" he was firm, his hands grasping the kids shoulders firmly, before heading outside. Raitaro ran to the closes hurt person, "Sir, book store " he pointed at the place as if to brake the mental ward that made people less aware of it. Wataru moved to the next hurt person and did the same, while raising his voice so that Tasu could hear him, "I'm getting the hurt inside, any plans?" the kid could make it rain, and had some other minor abilities, but he didn't see how any of that would help. "Not exactly armed, but the place got wards place by my grandfather"
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